The Client has a critical role to play
As a client your contribution to a well run job is critical. It's nice to have a chat and come and see where all your money is going, but there is more to do then that. There may be some decisions that you want to hang back on – like maybe see how the light is before finalizing a paint color, but that can’t apply to everything. Take notes, don’t do it off the top of your head. You need to run around and look in shops, compare products, finalize kitchen orders etc etc etc. Most of the stuff you are involved in is delivered to the site near the end, but it likely needs to be ordered well before then. Also some decisions you make will change the way the project is built. So just because some of the products you choose are installed near the end of the project - that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to leave it to the end.
Do your homework, take notes, bring stuff to meetings, develop details all the way till you sign off on them. As the client you are often the least qualified person on site but have the most influence. You can make up for that by being better prepared.
What is a Spec - What is a detail
Specification (Spec)
A Specification is a verbal description of an item not clearly defined on a building plan. Like exactly what paint color, door knob, tile, bench top material, light fixture etc. On a simpler and smaller job this can be handled on the fly. Your builder could talk you through broad options, you go check out a few showrooms, then you email him your decision like:
"Please proceed with the Trend stacking slider door, semi commercial in anodized aluminum with black handles and comfort plus glass."
Or even get the window company to print something on a piece of paper or send an email - simple works for most builders.
Its not uncommon for a client to go with what the builder recommends - but they still need your involvement and communication (or your architect etc) - its part of contracting - part of that minimum code of behavior you committed to when you signed the contract.
If you're diligent, decisive and start early you can likely handle the entire project like this. The builder will ask you to spec something - a few days later you email what you want.
For an Architect or Interior Designer a spec is a big deal - sometimes representing a huge amount of work and expertise. Its not just about the paperwork, its about design - combining the products that will work towards the desired look and feel they are going for.
Example of a specification from an architect.
What is a detail? (I thought we just did that!)
What is a Detail
A spec is the description of a product you want; a detail is how that product is used.
For example - a spec for a tile is:
Wall Tile - 300 x 600 White satin (code Berkley 3441)
A detail for that tile could be:
Lay horizontally in stack bond
When Specification meets Detail
In reality, plans, specifications, details - as well as DA conditions,engineers details and whatever else your project has generated - work together. It can become quite complex.
Simple works for me. If you choose a builder because you like his work, are able to chat through major issues smoothly - then all the better - done.
However, some architects plans and specifications are seriously 50 pages plus (I’ve been handed one that was like an old fashioned phone book – for a house extension!). Kitchen Details, Joinery Details, Bath Layout Details, Front Brickwork to Gate Details. Pages of Product Specification that form a comprehensive shopping list of everything you need to complete the project. It’s actually really great to get if the Spec is accurate and represents what the client wants. A lot of work has been done for me and I can just go ahead and build.
You are a member of the building team
The contract defines who is responsible for what and how much it will cost, but it's going to take more then that to complete your job. The best building result happens when clients and builders work together on the same team.
The process of contracting should have ironed out all major stumbling blocks to facilitate the client and builder working together to achieve the final product.
The client needs to be a part of the team
Some clients have been dreaming of their improved house for years and have ideas they want explored. This won’t happen if the boys just show up on the day and start building. You need to have a method of developing, communicating and documenting details to your builder in a timely fashion. It could be as simple as a drawing, some pictures from a magazine, or pointing out a house around the corner that has some feature you like. There is not one way to do this – but you have to have some way of getting the stuff that’s in your head out - into the contract.